sheilaincali
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Post by sheilaincali on Jan 4, 2012 10:39:43 GMT -5
Mini-vent- Ok so DS is doing the whole Youth in Gov't Model Assembly (state government) thing this winter. It's through the YMCA and all the meetings have been at the local high school so far. Cost per participant was right at $500. You could apply for a scholarship if needed (we did not) or the full payment plan had a $150 initial fee and then an auto payment out of your checking account for $115 for Nov, Dec, and Jan. That was nice. Their big convention is this weekend up at a hotel in Minneapolis. Now I find out last night (at the one and only parent meeting) that they don't provide any food and/or beverages for the kids. So it is recommended that we send the kids with a minimum of $100 for their food. Extra if they want any t-shirts or things like that. I got to thinking- that's a big expense to someone that wasn't expecting it. Plus they are encouraging us to send snacks and bottle of water and that up with the kids to share with their roommates. You could easily spend $100 on food there, $30 or so on snacks for their room, $20 on a t-shirt and you are at another $150! Kind of insane if you ask me. I had assumed that at 4 kids to a room (1400 kids will be at the convention) and an initial $500 per kid investment on my part that the least they could do is provide them with a continental breakfast and some sandwiches for lunch. But nope- they have to physically leave the convention hall (in groups no smaller than three) trudge across the sky-way and hunt down a fast food restaurant. Needless to say I am not super impressed so far. DS isn't aware of my frustrations because I don't want to color his experience.
I mostly feel bad for people on tight budgets.
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shanendoah
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Post by shanendoah on Jan 4, 2012 11:15:44 GMT -5
So through the first three days of the month, I have 1 NSD, 1 CSD, and 1 spend. Yesterday, as we were about to leave for the hospital, we realized we were hungry. We didn't want to take time to make something at home, because we already knew traffic would be bad, so we stopped by Qdoba and got food we could eat in the car. As it was, the drive to the hospital wasn't bad, but the trip back took us over an hour to go about 10 miles. The breathing tube is out, MIL is conscious, but she wasn't lucid. She couldn't swallow (not even water). For now, we're authorizing the feeding tube, on the theory that, like the breathing tube, it will only be for a short period of time. If she does not regain her ability to swallow, though, we know her wishes have always been not be on any form of life support, so we're still on a wait and see. It's just harder to make those decisions when the person is conscious.
Honey: *hugs* and definitely get out and see some friends. Have some fun, social get togethers, it will help tremendously. Best of luck on the job front.
sheila: maybe that's why they're suggesting that parents send water and snacks for kids to share with their roommates- for those whose parents can't really afford to send them with much cash for meals. My hope would be that when people applied for the scholarships, they were told about the food expense for the big convention so that they could prepare for it.
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ses
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Post by ses on Jan 4, 2012 11:52:49 GMT -5
I'm back. My anniversary date is 1/1/2012. Wow four years! Once again no specific NSD goals--just as many as I can get!
Welcome NERS! This is a great group to support you as you make those baby steps. Any questions or concerns you can almost always find an "expert" here or at least friends to hold your hand as you start this journey.
The spreadsheets are ready to go for 2012. I love excel!
I just got the call that my office will be moved to another building today, so I will have to come back later to finish my post. Don't you just love last minute notices!
AZmom--great QOTW!
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MittenKitten
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Post by MittenKitten on Jan 4, 2012 12:05:43 GMT -5
shanen: Hugs. Tough situation to be in. The last year of my DGM's life was very difficult. We also were involved in the decision to take my cousin off life support when he was in his 30s. In fact we were in the room when he went brain dead.
QOTW: Save early to take advantage of compound interest. While no one ever gave me the advice I decided before I started using credit cards to use them as debit cards and remove the amount I spent from my checking account when I spent it. I have only carried balances on my cards twice in my life.
Last night did end up being a no spend. Used our Gift Cards, had a wonderful dinner, server was great also. Then went to Best Buy since we have $95 in GCs there and found NOTHING to buy. So came home and did more work to get the house ready for the floors that are being installed today. By next week all the work should be done!
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dakota4600
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Post by dakota4600 on Jan 4, 2012 12:15:02 GMT -5
Yesterday was a NS. YEAH! Today won't be. A few days ago we switched our mattress that had a spring poking DH with the old that he had before we got married, but the one is plush and is killing my back. So tonight we are going to pickup the headboard for mini-D's bed that we ordered earlier and get a new mattress and box springs for our bed. The place we are planning on has 36 month no interest on purchases right now, so we'll keep the cash in savings and hopefully just pay for it out of the regular budget monthly.
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startsmart
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Post by startsmart on Jan 4, 2012 16:18:17 GMT -5
ohmystars the high school drama NEVER ends. After seeing the invite to the reunion I got an email from a classmate asking for my contact info. Uh, no. Besides I already saw the invite, I replied.
Well, turns out there are TWO reunions because one person is technically in charge but someone else started the event page so... it's high school all over again! Besides, anyone with half a brain and google could find my home address.
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sheilaincali
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Post by sheilaincali on Jan 4, 2012 20:00:58 GMT -5
Holding at 3/25 NSD Had to spend today to take out cash so the Boy could eat at his convention and we stopped by the grocery store to get him some drinks and snacks. Ran into one of his hotel roommates at the store with his mom. We coordinated our carts so we wouldn't have duplicate snacks. DH has to iron a couple of DS' slacks and then we can finish packing him up. Super sad that he is leaving. Hurts when your baby starts growing up on you. Never expected to be this sad about him going off like a high school kid to a YIG convention for 4 days in the big bad Twin Cities without his mama
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Honeylioness
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Post by Honeylioness on Jan 4, 2012 21:55:03 GMT -5
Holidays and Money - I meant to give an update that was money related. I received a generous gift card from my brother. A gift card for a local restaurant chain, another for the supermarket and cash from my mother. I want to use the cash to shop for some new basic black skirts this week while stores are having their sales.
On the down side I had to write a check for almost $1100 to pay for December and January's COBRA payments.
spruby / shanendoah - "Friends" are one reason my Christmas was less than great. Not getting a lot of return calls either. Did I contract leprosy and not know it?
sheila - From what you have said your son is a bright competent kid. I understand that you it can be hard to see children pull away and do things for the first time without you. But I think you are an amazing mom who has prepared an amazing young man to do good in the world.
QOTW - The One Basic Piece of Financial Advice that I have found very helpful in getting more control of my spending was tracking all my spending and being diligent about entering that information into my spreadsheets. That has been a great tool in showing me where my leaks were and where I have made my goals.
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moneysquirrel
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Post by moneysquirrel on Jan 4, 2012 22:45:39 GMT -5
Today was a spend day. Almost a CS but I picked up two items that were not on my list -- 1 was needed but the other was not.
QOTW -- I have several but most of tham have already been mentioned -- the compound interest one, and the use of spreadsheets. But the most important one is to pay yourself first. Add a line in your budget for savings -- you can start small and build up as you can. Even $5 each payday over time will build up.
MK -- DS#1 will be surprised in a few days. Pkg was mailed today.
SES -- Did we create an Excel monster?
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spruby
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Post by spruby on Jan 5, 2012 7:02:23 GMT -5
honey - BIG hugs. I am so sorry.
Based on my own experience - yes for some friends you became contagious by losing your job. They don't know what to say or do around you. They are worried about your money (if they see you will you ask them for money? will you still be willing to spend money? will you expect them to spend money on you?)
And a lot of them are thinking - if it could happen to honey - what about me?! And this scares them. It makes the national crisis awfully personal.
Continue to reach out to those you really value. Continue to value those that are still reaching out to you. And this makes it more important than ever to get out of the house and be with people - networking events, clubs, volunteer, anything. Even introverts don't often realize how much casual social contact they really need until it has been reduced/eliminated.
Big hugs.
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azmom
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Post by azmom on Jan 5, 2012 10:12:10 GMT -5
2 NSD/ 2 CSD I went to the grocery store AGAIN! Honey: {{{Hugs}}} I wasn't a very good friend to any one this holiday. There was just so much overwhelming crap going on that I just went into survival mode and pulled away from everyone. I think Spruby is on to something. Sometimes as silly as it may be, we don't always know how to be a friend or respond to someone else's crisis so we stay away. I say we because I am a big offender but I am working on being a better friend this year My Niece: I think someone asked...she is doing great. I am still so amazed at the whole process. She has her first post op appt. today. Shiela: Aww...he's growing up. My DD went to Outdoor School (Science Camp) this year BUT I was able to go as a chaperon! I would cry at random times during the trip because she it was so real how grown up she is becoming. I can only imagine the emotional toll it is taking on you with him being your only child! As for the cost~that is crazy! They sent us a letter home in the Summer with the cost of camp and when payment was due, etc. I was very impressed (although it was expensive). QOTW: I know it is a no brainer to only spend what you have but when I first started we were living off of our CC's and now we haven't used one in over 2+ years. If we don't have it, we don't have it (sometime I do throw a pity party but I suck it up and deal with it.) That's all I have time for right now. I have to shower and get ready for my a meeting at the park for my MOMs group.
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sheilaincali
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Post by sheilaincali on Jan 5, 2012 10:23:32 GMT -5
QOTW- Gosh it's hard to narrow that down. I would guess it would be to have a budget from day one and always spend less than what you make. If you do that you will always have money to put in savings and hopefully prevent yourself from accruing unnecessary debt. Thanks for your kind words on DS and his leaving me for the weekend. He is getting so mature. In a couple of months he will be 14! He looked so dapper in his "casual business attire" this morning, rolling his suitcase into the classroom to wait for the bus. I just told the advisor (who was a teacher of mine his first year teaching) "just remember to bring him back home in the same condition that I gave him to you in" He just laughed and said he promised to bring him back on Sunday night. azmom- they grow up so fast don't they? I try to stop him but he just keeps growing up on me
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shanendoah
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Post by shanendoah on Jan 5, 2012 10:47:22 GMT -5
2 NSD, 1 CSD, 1 spend You guys are being subjected to my daily count right now because I don't yet have a new calendar. I always wait a week or so after the new year starts for the prices to drop 50% or more. I did get 2 boxes of Christmas cards for free last weekend. We buy gift cards at a used book store for the friends we spend Christmas with. If you spend $25, they give you a $5 coupon. Christmas cards were $2.49/box, and the coupon comes off BEFORE tax, reducing the price to 0, meaning there is no tax to pay- ta da, 2 boxes of Christmas cards for free.
QOTW: I still think the most basic thing for me is- you don't have to do it alone. Support groups like this one are the honest keys to my success. Otherwise, I guess it is being aware of where your money goes. You have to know when/where you're spending your money if you have any hopes of changing how you spend your money.
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sheilaincali
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Post by sheilaincali on Jan 5, 2012 10:48:41 GMT -5
Honey- everything Spruby said is accurate. When DH and I were unemployed people felt awkward inviting us to do things with them because they didn't know what our budget looked like. Then they would feel awkward inviting us over for dinner in case we saw a new purchase they had made and were jealous. Plus people do think unemployment is contagious. Keep reaching out to those that matter. Hopefully they will understand that you need your friends to be friends not to be a lending establishment or a reference or whatever might be scaring them away. Hugs to you Honey
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redwagon
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Post by redwagon on Jan 5, 2012 11:39:54 GMT -5
Honey - more hugs for you. Sorry you had such a downer holiday. Wishing you lots of luck in finding a new position!
Yesterday was a spend, as I went to the grocery store and loaded up on fresh fruit. Blue really likes fruit and mentioned he wishes we had more. And I can always stand to eat more, although it's more of a struggle for me. So, we'll see how this goes. Felt very healthy checking out!
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startsmart
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Post by startsmart on Jan 5, 2012 19:49:24 GMT -5
Ug, this first week of the year is not going well.
I'm sick and have been in bed achy all day. Plus I need to deal with a few client issues. My grandpa went to the doctor yesterday and may need to move into a skilled nursing facility. I don't trust my uncle to be making these decisions for Grandpa because my uncle's priority is his inheritance. My grandpa's sister who lives here in town was being moved on Tuesday and broke her leg (she has rheumatoid arthritis) and today they had to amputate her leg. She's my grandpa's only surviving sibling and has been in a nursing facility for over a year.
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dakota4600
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Post by dakota4600 on Jan 6, 2012 9:49:55 GMT -5
Not doing so well this month. Yesterday ended up being a spend as well. The new mattress we bought is too hard, so I got a gel foam mattress topper and it was wonderful, I didn't want to get out of bed this AM. I figure by the time that the foam breaks down the mattress will be broken in and be more comfortable. (I'd rather have it too hard now than too soft after it is broken in.) Right now it is kind of funny, the top of our bed is now 3 feet from the ground. I can no longer sit on the side of the bed and have my feet touch the floor. The new mattress was considerably thicker than our old one, plus we now of the 2.5 inch foam topper and our old feather topper, plus a mattress pad. I feel like the princess in the pea.
Start- sorry you are sick, hope your grandpa is okay. My DH's grandpa has decided to move to assisted living, he is having someone drive him up here today to look at places. He currently lives 3 hours away. His doctor has strongly suggested that at 94 he needs to be some place where people can easily check on him. He currently lives alone with his cat. He has fallen a few times and has had trouble getting up.
Honey- Hugs!
QOTW- Have a plan for the money you are saving. Last year we didn't and our savings reflected that. I looked back and only made two transfers to savings all year, besides the auto scheduled ones. This year I'm focusing on a car replacement fund, so I have something to ear mark that money for. Another part of our problem is that we fully funded our E-fund in 2010, so we didn't feel the urgency to continue saving. But now that DH is most likely going to buy a newer truck (current one is 1986) we'll need to replenish our car fund. But after spending 1200 on two new beds in 2012 we need to refocus on savings.
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muttleynfelix
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Post by muttleynfelix on Jan 6, 2012 10:36:48 GMT -5
QOTW - For me, the thing I have to do is not just track my spending but actually pay attention to if it is going where I am thinking it is going and if it is going somewhere else to do something about it.
Honey - Hugs.
STart - Sorry about your Grandpa.
Exciting news, our company got raises for 2012!! Woohoo! We use to be given at our anniversary date with the company but last year no one got raises because of the state of the business. When things picked up, the boss gave everyone a bonus for the amount of what 3% raise would have been. Now for 2012, our paychecks are actually going to reflect that 3% raise. I should be putting the money towards retirement, but I'm going to put it in the car replacement fund. I'm feeling a little anxious about driving around a vehicle with 180k miles (officially as of Wednesday night) and not really having the money designated to replace it and we don't want to carry to car loans even if they are both small. I live in an that is not a KUWJ and in general people keep their cars a long time. It makes it hard to find a good used car with low milage. It makes me concerned we are going to have to spend more than what I am planning on.
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redwagon
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Post by redwagon on Jan 6, 2012 10:42:53 GMT -5
startsmart - hoping for the best for your grandpa and your great aunt. and you too! feel better!
muttley - yay for a raise!! that's always good news! Blue's anniversary date is coming up and I'm hoping for a bonus and a raise. He always finds the jobs with bonuses, the bugger. I've never gotten one, but that's because publishing is not a money-making business for the minions working in it lol. My car has a loan, but it's 0% interest for 60 months, so I went for it. Maybe you'll find a good deal like that on something reasonably priced? good luck with the 180k! Hope it makes it to 200k!
The weekend should be fairly low-spend. We'll probably grab a pizza tonight then head up to MA for fake Christmas with my family. I don't think we'll be going out, so we'll just bring up some food to contribute and mooch off my parents. Last night was VERY tempted to order in when I got home and the ground beef wasn't thawed yet, and we got a shiny new Chinese food menu in the mail. But I stayed strong, and cooked a yummy, healthy shepherd's pie that was only 5 WW points. It was just a bit later than planned. Small victories...
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shanendoah
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Post by shanendoah on Jan 6, 2012 10:47:14 GMT -5
2 NSD, 2 CSD, 1 spend Braces come off 2/15
Honey & dtart: *gus* Muttley: Yay!
not time for anything else this am
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sheilaincali
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Post by sheilaincali on Jan 6, 2012 12:17:28 GMT -5
Update 5/20 NSD, 1/25 NEO
We ate out last night but used a GC that we had gotten for Christmas (in 2010) Do you know how hard it is to feed to people for $25 at Olive Garden? Man their prices are climbing up there. The Boy is having fun at YIG- They are keeping him busy. He didn't get a chance to call us until just after 11pm last night and their schedule said they were supposed to wake up at 6:30 this am! They went to the Capital in the evening and then had dinner followed by a couple more meetings and an end of day delegation wrap up. The important thing is his is having fun. However, we are not enjoying the quiet in the house and the dog looks depressed that he isn't here. She keeps running to his room to check to see if he maybe snuck in when she wasn't looking.
muttley: congrats on the raise
Start: hugs for your grandpa. We moved Gma into one of those senior places where she has her own apartment but has to come downstairs every day for breakfast. At first she hated it but after a few weeks she realized she knew a lot of the ladies there (small town) and has them stopping by to visit and play cards. Hopefully the family will make the right decision regarding your Gpa and that he will be happy if they end up moving him into a care facility.
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startsmart
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Post by startsmart on Jan 6, 2012 13:29:40 GMT -5
Grandpa is already in assisted living, he and Grandma moved in back in 2007 when Grandma needed full time care I couldn't provide (I was living with them to take care of them). The assisted living may not be abgvle to help him with the increased level of care. The problem is that skilled nursing facilities are not as nice and typically more expensive. Since my uncle is a [redacted] he'll try to choose a cheap facility to preserve his inheritance so it'll be a fight.
Haven't heard any more news about my great-aunt today, her daughters are at the hospital with her.
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azmom
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Post by azmom on Jan 6, 2012 13:47:11 GMT -5
2NSD/3CSD I went to bed last night excited that I managed another NSD because DH and I really wanted to go get wings but we didn't but the I realized I spend money at Wal-Mart buying $2 cookies for my MOMs meeting and the vegetable oil I forgot to get yesterday! Ugh. It's still a CSD because it comes out of the grocery budget but still! Muttleyn: Congrats on your raise! SS: I hope you feel better soon. I have been feeling like crap lately too. Sorry about your aunt and your grandpa. My FIL is currently in an assisted living facility waiting on his 1/27 appointment to determine HOW MUCH OF his foot will need to be amputated and after talking to my MIL it didn't sound like he was going to be moving home anytime soon after. Dakota: I used to have a really high four post bed and I loved it until I became pregnant, then not so much. We had to put the box spring and mattress on the floor in order for me to get in and out. RED: congrats on your will power. I did NOT want spaghetti yesterday but I had to force myself to make it and it was pretty yummy. Still think wings would have been better or a great addition Sheila: My 4yo keeps looking out the window waiting for the other two kids to come home. She was used to them being home during Christmas break! Don't worry he will be home soon enough giving you some of his smart mouth attitude and you'll be wanting to ship back off to where he came from and all will be right with the world again! Question: Am I the only one who has an increasing WANT to spend money when I know we don't have it. Things are like to the penny this check and I find myself just wanted (needing) to spend frivolously (like a soda, grabbing lunch-not major purchases) DH said he has noticed the less money we have the more we eat out. Isn't that just crazy! The funny thing is when we get a surplus of money none of us wants to spend a dime of it! Go figure. Not so great news: I will making a post next week on my blog but I'm going crazy now. I have stopped my marathon training and I am incredibly sad and frustrated but know it is the right thing. I thought it was my shoes but I haven't ran since Saturday and my legs not just hurt but I have pain. I decided after being at the park and my DD falling off the monkey bars and it hurt so bad to run out to her. I'm starting some treatments from a friend who is a PT and give it another week of rest and if that doesn't work then I will see a doctor. For now, no running Once I am good to go I'm just going to start slow and with very low millage and hope for the best. It's harder because running is my release and things are stressful here at home so I hope I can do some cardio soon. Anyhow... ~Happy No Spending~
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MittenKitten
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Post by MittenKitten on Jan 6, 2012 13:47:17 GMT -5
Start: Tough situation and I know you had problems with this uncle before. He sounds like the posse needs to get after him! Been having a wonderful no spend month so far. Tuesday used GCs out, yesterday took DD to an indoor playground that she has a membership to so that was free, got a coffee on the way on a GC so that was free. Although DF did pick up dinner since our house is all dusty from the construction. By Monday it will be done and today they should get pretty far. Since DS#2's day treatment facility has a noon hour where they will watch the kiddos for 1.5 hours before day treatment I put him there for yesterday, today and Monday since he is not dealing with all the pounding well. It does make it so we KNOW our contractor will be done by 5 pm. Today I did take DD in to creative playtime through community ed but that only cost $2 so no biggie there. Should get out and do something but don't feel like it. I will take her swimming on Monday (I will have to pay for me but she will be free) Muttley: Great news on the raise! Sheila: I forgot to comment on the cost of the conference. They should really outline the whole cost of the program including these fees before people sign up. That would be a very nasty expense if one were living paycheck to paycheck. I now need to look into preschool for DD, that will cost me a $50 registration fee soon, I need to get DS#2 enrolled in Kindergarten for next year and have quite a few meetings this month. Oh fun! Not looking forward to the $140 a month for preschool for next year. I may need to see if they have any scholarships, especially since she and DS#1 don't have health insurance now due to our budget. While DF does have a job, he is making $60,000 a year LESS then what he did 2.5 years ago. At least we haven't had to dip into the EF but we have had to make some other tough decisions. Oh and now they want to put braces on DSS's teeth at the age of 15. His teeth are not bad either so I think it is a load of crock. Plus DSS doesn't want them. Now if it were a real need and his teeth were crowded fine no problem...
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sbcalimom
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Post by sbcalimom on Jan 6, 2012 14:31:54 GMT -5
Update: 5 CS/NS for the month! 5 NEOs 1 MOAN
I'm not setting any goals this month but I'm just shooting for as much as I can. I've really re-committed to budgeting and tracking for 2012 so I want to start off well with January. I also revamped my savings tracking because it was way to involved and I dreaded doing it every month. I'm hoping that we can really buckle down and have a good year now that there's no pregnancies or maternity leaves (at least there better not be!). I really have to commit to only using the budgeted amount each month if I want to see our savings grow. While we didn't incur any debt last year, we certainly spent more than we should have.
Now that I got my health issue resolved, I'm trying to work out regularly again but the cold the girls gave me derailed those plans for this week. Oh well, I'm hoping to go to the gym today and do at least one active thing on Saturday and Sunday since I can't go to the gym.
I also have a TON of baby stuff I need to sell/donate whatever. The goal is to get it OUT of the house but I want to try and get some $$ for it if I can. DH is supposed to list a bunch of stuff on Craigslist tonight and then I have a bunch of cloth diapers I need to process and decide how I want to list on Craigslist. I'm hoping they sell there so I don't have to deal with other avenues but we shall see.
Hope everyone has a good weekend and all the health issues and such get better!
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shanendoah
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Post by shanendoah on Jan 6, 2012 16:24:00 GMT -5
2 NSD, 2 CSD, 1 spend Braces come off 2/15 Honey & dtart: *gus*Muttley: Yay! not time for anything else this am Okay - I apologize for my inability to type or proofread this morning. That line should read: Honey & Start: *hugs*
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startsmart
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Post by startsmart on Jan 6, 2012 18:05:06 GMT -5
lol shenandoah, I should go bydtart more often gus to you too!
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ses
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Post by ses on Jan 6, 2012 21:54:51 GMT -5
6/31 NSD
QOTW
Ladies I think we have a personal finance bestseller or seminar on our hands. The first eight chapters are powerful. 1. Find or create a support group 2. Live on less than you earn 3. Pay yourself first 4. Use compound interest (a favorite of Moneysquirrel and Albert Einstein) 5. Create and follow a realistic budget 6. Carefully track your spending 7. Carry no credit card debt 8. Have a plan for your savings 9. It is OK if you have a failure, get right back on track
The only thing I would add is to keep reading and learning to manage your money, instead of letting your money manage you.
Moneysquirrel--yes, I am becoming an excel fanatic! I still need to learn more to become a real excel monster. But I am getting there.
The spreadsheets are ready, but I haven't spent any money yet to plug into the spreadsheets. I am kind of doing a pantry/freezer challenge here at the start of the year. My meals are not too strange yet so I must really need to so this. Or I still have a lot of yummy holiday leftovers--but that can't last much longer.
Honey, hang in there. This, too, will pass and you will be the stronger for this experience. Whenever you need a hug, we are happy to oblige.
Shannen, Smart, Dakota--My thoughts are with you. These later in life issues are hard for families to deal with for all of us.
AZmom--It is good you have you back with us.
Sheila--I have waited a few days to respond to what you called a "mini-vent" so I could be more objective. I can't believe an organization like the YMCA would structure an event like they have. My first thought when I heard about having to go out of the hotel for meals was the safety issue. Many of the participants will not be from urban areas filled with "street smarts" although I am sure they all think they can handle anything. I have worked with teenagers long enough to know that their collective good sense decreases exponentially by the number in the group above three--even normally good levelheaded kids. Then I thought about the cost of a continental breakfast and sandwiches and snacks and was even more appalled at the expenses they are expecting families to absorb--expenses the YWCA could have negotiated and gotten at a much reduced rate. You can't tell me they couldn't have provided yummy teenage appropriate buffets for a fraction of 1400kids x $100=$140,000!!! And covered the cost of a commemorative t-shirt to boot!! And to tell the parents so close to leaving is almost irresponsible. Do you get to do an evaluation about this trip, or provide comments. I know you can't rock the boat and make a fuss if this is an activity your son wishes to continue with in future years. I admire your restraint.
Gotta stop and hold Onyx for a bit. She has been asking so politely. Soon the claws will used to remind me she has NEEDS!
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moneysquirrel
Well-Known Member
Joined: Dec 19, 2010 13:12:39 GMT -5
Posts: 1,908
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Post by moneysquirrel on Jan 6, 2012 22:56:26 GMT -5
Update: 5 NS/CS daysThings are back to their normal crazy ways. The first few days back to school after a holiday break are brutal. I know better than to allow myself to sleep late when I'm off because it is so hard to face that 5:15 alarm but I do it every holiday and struggle with the after effects for a few days. Things around the city are really crazy with all the sporting events that continue to swamp us now for our second week. Also tonight is the official start of our annual craziness. The good thing is that we have about 5 weeks before things really goes crazy. At least then I have a week off. I also am trying to get myself back into an exercise routine. I have neglected that in the last few years and really need to work on that. Recently I have been doing yoga once a week after school but need to add a bit of cardo and weight training. I may have to check into the cost of hiring a personal trainer for a brief period of time so that I can make sure that I will be doing things correctly and not hurt myself in the process. Honey -- You will get through this tough spot and be stronger for it. Hugs Start -- Sorry that you are feeling under the weather. Hope all the best for your GP. azmom, Mrslynch and red-wagon -- I am so happy that you have been posting more often. I love hearing about your progress. sheila -- I would be bummed about not knowing the additional cost of DS conference as well. Do you know if this is the usual situation or did something unexpected change the plans -- change in hotels, etc? If it the usual practice to inform at the last minute and DS wants to continue with the program which it seems he really is involved in then I would suggest that you try to build up a fund for future conferences. If the money is not needed in the next year it could be added to his future expenses in high school. I will give you a heads up that the senior year is one of large expenses and a lot of nickel-and-dime ones as well. Start the saving process now.
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moneysquirrel
Well-Known Member
Joined: Dec 19, 2010 13:12:39 GMT -5
Posts: 1,908
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Post by moneysquirrel on Jan 6, 2012 23:05:00 GMT -5
sbcalimom -- didn't mean to leave you off my list of returning frequent posters. I remember when you were expecting DD1 and now you have a 2nd one. SES -- Remember if you need help with excel that I am available to help out. It would be a nice break from explaining it to 12 yr olds. MK -- great use of GCs to treat your kids and you to some fun activities. Sorry if I skipped someone but it has been a long week and I am fading fast.
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